Brutal Turn-Based Gladiator Roguelite, Bloodgrounds, reveals Early Access launch trailer

The life of gladiators was one of blood and glory, and this turn-based roguelite seeks to relive their lives. Introducing Bloodgrounds, which has dropped onto Steam in early access!

Developed by Exordium games and published by Daedalic Entertainment, Bloodgrounds is a turn-based roguelite. Explored through the eyes of a wealthy, retired gladiator, you guide an ever-changing team of gladiators to glorious victory. Emphasis on ever-changing, as gladiatorial combat is never clean, and your gladiators will end up dying eventually.

Bloodgrounds takes a lot of inspiration from games like XCOM and Darkest Dungeon, meaning your lineup is always temporary. Death is permanent, so treating the lives of your gladiators with purpose is necessary to your end goal. that end goal is to eventually take on the emperor, enacting your vengeance upon the one who ruined your life.

Speaking of your gladiators, each one you recruit have their own unique classes and abilities. Some are tough warriors that fight on the front lines, while others call upon magic to fight from afar. It is important to make a balanced team, otherwise you will waste the lives of your gladiators away.

Gladiators that survive will become stronger from each battle, while also giving you better rewards from their victories. You could also manipulate the crowd or outside forces as well to improve your rewards as well. These rewards include weapons and armor, which your gladiators can make good use out of to improve their chances in the arena.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS TURN-BASED ROGUELITE

• Highly Tactical Turn-Based Combat: Master grid-based arena battles, unleash powerful abilities, and use traps, consumables, and divine powers to sway the fight.
• Hardcore Roguelite Stakes: Lose a fighter, lose them forever, along with their gear and progress. Surviving gladiators are rewarded with valuable loot and experience points, creating a satisfying and motivating progression loop.
• Deep Squad Management: Recruit, train, and upgrade gladiators; build unique class combinations; and balance trauma, status effects, and glory-seeking risks.
• Audience and Arena Dynamics: Win over the bloodthirsty crowd for battle rewards, or manipulate the underworld to sabotage rivals before the fight even starts.
• A Dark Fantasy World: Explore Marevento’s political intrigue, navigate a noble’s revenge quest, and rise through deadly tournaments toward the Emperor himself.

Bloodgrounds has released onto PC in Early Access through Steam. The full release is expected next year in 2026. You can also discuss Bloodgrounds on the PopGeeks Video Game Forum!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Bloodgrounds is a turn-based roguelite.
• You play as a retired gladiator building a team of gladiators to fight for you.
• You seek out more strength to get revenge on the emperor of the land who wronged you.
• Each gladiator take up a class that represent their abilities and specialization.
• You can equip gladiators with gear and equipment that you purchase and win from battles.
• Gladiators you recruit can die permanently.
• If you win battles without any deaths or win the crowd over you get better rewards.
• The game released onto Steam in Early Access.
• The game is expected to fully release in 2026.